Transitioning from steroid abuser to fitness specialist, Jeff Rutstein has developed a unique exercise program, one that eschews the no pain, no gain philosophy of most gyms and the atmosphere that got him in trouble early in his weightlifting career. Asking readers to forget the pumping-iron image about weightlifting and outlining a strength-training program from beginner to advanced that is geared as much toward soothing the mind as it is for sculpting the body, Rutstein provides his readers with a program that is accessible, effective, and that strengthens both physical and emotional well-being.

Rutstein describes his early years as a weightlifter addicted to body building and steroids, then to alcohol and drugs abuse to which steroid use often lead. Quitting them all cold turkey, Rutstein's resting pulse rate was recorded at 144, heart-attack level; he was lucky to be alive. After recovering, he fell into a deep depression.

Slowly, using exercises he now calls mindful movements, he discovered that a light workout, more meditative than exhausting, created a mind-body connection that eventually gave him back his self-esteem. 'It's about rediscovering the essential relationship between your body and mind,' Rutstein explains. Rutstein, a Master Level Personal Trainer certified by the International Dance and Exercise Association (IDEA), founded Custom Fitness in 1990, a subdued, relaxed fitness center where he provides personal strength-training based on mindful movements for clients.

Part autobiography, and peppered with success stories from clients who came to him from all walks of life with a variety of needs, Rutstein on Fitness fulfilled through this exercise program. He describes how the program creates balance, both emotional and physical, stress relief, healthy weight loss, and emotional healing.

'I've learned that grueling workouts are not beneficial and in fact end up hurting,' is his very inviting statement to those who have been turned of by traditional weightlifting and gyms. Rutstein starts with stretching, adds very light-resistance bands or dumbbells, along with aerobic exercise in a program that increases slowly. Directions for the stretches and exercises are clearly written and illustrated with photographs that show how to do them correctly. He gives helpful pointers for getting the best workout. Exercise logs are provided at the end of the book for tracking progress. Rutstein also explains how diet affects mood and presents suggestions for healthy eating that are both down-to-earth and informative.

Rutstein outlines a four-week exercise program combining aerobic and strength-training exercises and shows how readers can set their own goals and pace. He teaches proper exercise technique, encouraging readers not to jerk the weights up and down in a frenzy to improve body image (as he had done years earlier) but to isolate each set of muscles and to focus mentally on how each movement feels. This is a kinder, gentler workout meant not only to sculpt the body, but also to sculpt feelings of self-worth and serenity. Reading Rutstein on Fitness is the next-best thing to having Jeff Rutstein as a personal trainer.